ancient Germans lived in the tribal system.Each tribe had its own deities and beliefs, which are significantly different from each other.
At the heart of one of the old Germanic mythology are Scandinavian legends.Inhabitants of northern Europe were too removed from outside influences, for this reason, they have better and longer preserved the original culture and beliefs.It Norse mythology came to the present day, preserved in two literary works.A compilation entitled "Elder Edda" consists of poetic hymns, written in prose, and the second is called the "Edda".The author of these works is Snorri Sturluson, who lived in the XIII century.
Scandinavian mythology is close to the myths of the Slavs, Scandinavians connected with strong bonds.These geographically close peoples in the cult and popular celebrations traced much in common.They noted the same calendar holidays (eg summer and winter solstice).
In Norse mythology, the world was originally only an abyss filled with emptiness and darkness.First born gave rise to the world androgynous giant Ymir.According to Norse mythology, the gods divided his body into several pieces and arrange them into a sky, water and land.Then the great gods Odin, Lodur Hoenir and raised the land from the ocean floor, ennobled her and gave life to the first people.Thus, the start was given to the existing order of things.
The most important gods and goddesses of Norse pantheon, different individual characteristics and diverse functions.Each of these deities was associated a series of myths.Some experts argue that the Scandinavian mythology has many similarities to the Greek.However, similarities can only be considered polytheism.
Supreme god in Norse mythology says one who was endowed with strong traits of the shaman, sage.God of storms, thunder and fertility, the main defender of the giants and terrible monsters called the Torah.He was portrayed as a hero with a red beard, who was armed with a war hammer.
As tells Norse mythology, Loki played a role among the gods of the mythical rogue, which were intertwined cunning and comedy.He participates in the creation of people with one as artless companion Thor, helping him in the fight against monsters.In Norse mythology, the god of fertility, peace and wealth was Freire.His sister was the wife of Odin.Freya (that was her name) was the goddess of love, beauty and fertility.She was looking for her husband Odin, lamenting its golden tears.
All Scandinavian mythology makes extraordinary impression.As you can see, it belonged to the courageous people and severe, who feared not to look death in the face.All participants know that the course of events leading to the destruction of the world, but honestly and bravely doing their duty.This belief was caused by lifestyle Scandinavian princes, earls, their warriors and poets scalds.Thus, on this mythology, we can say that it is - a direct reflection of the harsh and difficult conditions in which people lived, who created it.
